Lancaster, Pennsylvania, is known for its rolling hills, Amish farms, and quaint towns. However, its culinary creations also make it unique. 

From sweet Stroopies to savory Hog Maws, Lancaster has something for everyone. Make sure to know where you can find a dentist in Lancaster to cure any toothache caused from tasting all the yummy food options. 

Let’s go on a journey to discover seven delicious dishes you absolutely have to try when you’re in Lancaster:

7 Culinary Creations from Lancaster You’ve Got to Try

Whoopie Pies

Photo By: F_A from Ostwestfalen, Germany, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

A Pennsylvania Dutch classic, the whoopie pie is a delicious dessert made from two round-shaped chocolate cakes stuffed with creamy filling.

Woopie pies were initially made from leftover cake batter and were a staple dessert during the Great Depression. When locals used to find them, they’d shout, “Whoopie!”

Today, Lancaster is famous for its whoopie pies. In fact, the Lancaster County Whoopie Pie Festival draws thousands of visitors every year.

Stroopies or Stroopwafels

These crispy, caramel-filled waffle cookies are a Lancaster specialty.

Stroopies are made by sandwiching a layer of homemade caramel between two thin waffles and pressing them together. The result is a sweet, chewy treat that’s perfect with a cup of coffee or tea.

Wilbur Buds

If you’re a chocolate lover, you have to try Wilbur Buds. These bite-sized chocolates have been a local favorite since 1894.

Wilbur Buds are made from the highest quality cocoa beans, and the recipe has remained virtually unchanged for over a century.

Chow Chow

This sweet and sour relish is a staple at many Amish and Mennonite meals.

Chow chow is made from various vegetables, including green beans, cauliflower, sweet peppers, and onions. The vegetables are finely chopped and mixed with a sweet and sour vinegar marinade.

Chow chow is the perfect condiment for hot dogs, hamburgers, or any sandwich.

Scrapple

This unique dish is a Pennsylvania Dutch creation not for the faint of heart. Scrapple is made from pork scraps, cornmeal, and spices that form a loaf.

Scrapple is then sliced and pan-fried until crispy. It’s a hearty breakfast dish perfect for a cold winter morning.

Hog Maw

Hog maw, also called pig stomach, is a dish made from a pig’s stomach stuffed with potatoes, onions, browned pork, sausage, and cabbage. 

The stomach is sewn shut and simmered until tender. Hog maw is a popular dish during the fall and winter months since it’s a hearty and filling meal that’s sure to leave you satisfied.

Apple Butter

Photo By: Alan Levine from Strawberry, United States, CC BY 2.0  via Wikimedia Commons

Made from freshly picked apples cooked down with sugar and spices, apple butter is a delicious spread perfect on toast or biscuits.

Though the recipe doesn’t actually call for butter, the name apple butter comes from the creaminess and spread-ability of this delicious treat that resembles butter. 

Apple butter is a popular Lancaster specialty, and many families have passed down recipes for generations. Apple butter is the perfect way to enjoy fall flavors all year long.

Lancaster, Pennsylvania, could be your foodie paradise. This area has something for everyone, from sweet treats like whoopie pies and Wilbur buds to savory dishes like chow chow and hog maw.

Make sure to take care of those teeth between meals – you don’t want to end up needing emergency dental care while on your culinary adventure.